'The anxiety in town is sky-high': Norman Wells residents hold rally over soaring fuel prices

As winter sets in, many Norman Wells residents say they're facing the difficult, and devastating, decision over whether to stay in their community. 

Christine Landry, who has called Norman Wells home for 36 years, says her heating fuel costs have surged from $1,500 to $4,000 per month.

"This winter will likely decide if we're going to stay here or not," Landry said. 

As the only earner in her family, Landry said the situation has taken a toll on her mentally.

"I try not to think about it. I know it's there … but deep down, I'm angry. Why is this happening to our community?" she said.

More than 50 residents like her gathered at the Royal Canadian Legion Thursday night to voice frustrations over high heating fuel prices. The rally, organized by the Northern Territories Federation of Labour, called on territorial leaders to take immediate action.

Prices skyrocketed this fall in the community of 750 after historically low water levels on the Mackenzie River grounded resupply barges this summer. With resupply only possible during the 2025 winter road season, fuel now has to be flown in—a costly alternative.

It also prompted the town to declare a state of emergency. 

On Nov. 4, the town launched a formal petition asking the territorial government to declare a state of emergency over heating fuel costs and to provide rebates to offset diesel shipping expenses, which totalled $1.8 million in October.

The organizers plan to share recorded testimonials and messages from the rally on a website next week, with links on the town's website to voice the community's concerns across other regions.

Landry said that due to the exorbitant costs to heat houses, leaving Norman Wells also isn't an option for many homeowners, as property values have plunged.

"All the houses that are up for sale … we're stuck; there are no houses selling."

She said her last resort to manage fuel costs is through a payment plan, as a single lump-sum payment is unaffordable.

'People are on edge'

"People are stressed, people are worried … people are on edge. Nobody knows what tomorrow brings," said Bill Pratt, another Norman Wells resident. 

Pratt said he is facing tough choices between buying groceries or keeping his home heated.

He said the community's mood is sombre.

"It's not going to be a sustainable place to live … the cost of fuel is going to shut this community down," he said. 

Sarah Kelly, a homeowner, said she usually pays around $8,000 to heat her small house through winter, but this year, she expects to pay upwards of $30,000. 

"I don't know which Canadians have that much money lying around. The anxiety in town is sky-high, just like our bills," Kelly said. 

Suzanne Hall, who wrote to the town's MLA and mayor in late October about the skyrocketing costs, said people have been thanking her for saying what they wanted to say, "but were afraid to."

Hall said she is urging the government to declare a state of emergency and fix the crisis immediately, as the community reaches a breaking point.

MLA expects some relief from territory

Though the town's food bank did receive a $150,000 donation from the N.W.T. government last month, one resident said it is not enough.

"I feel like you are showing your true colours if you are donating a fraction of what we actually need," Joshua David Ferguson said.

Sahtu MLA Daniel McNeely said he discussed the community's situation with the Premier R.J. Simpson in the assembly last week. 

"The premier of the Northwest Territories assured me he will be taking this situation seriously and coming out with options of solution," McNeely said. 

He said he expects some financial relief from the territorial government soon.

McNeely said the application for an 18 per cent hike in electricity rates across the territory has added another financial burden on the cost of living in the town.

"Whenever there is a cost inflation, price that goes up ... it is ultimately passed on to the customers," McNeely said.